Traction Control
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Traction Control
I used the search feature and havent found the answer to my question. What does the traction control feature do. The previous owener advised to leave it on. I noticed that in wet conditions when the tire spins a little the display reads traction control activated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 5
From: Stark County Ohio
Keeps the drive wheels from excessive spinning to control traction.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
The traction control system works by comparing front and rear wheel speeds.
When wheelspin is detected (rear wheel speeds become faster than front), traction control engages, and applies rear brakes, as well as commanding the PCM to drastically retard spark timing, thus sharply cutting engine power.
Once the rear wheels have established traction again, power is restored, and things are back to normal.
In theory, it's great. In actuality, it's a buzzkill.
Many find the TC is too intrusive, cuts too much power, and remains active too long, not good things when the goal is to go fast.
Someone with mediocre reaction skills can usually better manage the throttle pedal when the wheels do begin to let loose, and correct it without such a drastic power loss.
When wheelspin is detected (rear wheel speeds become faster than front), traction control engages, and applies rear brakes, as well as commanding the PCM to drastically retard spark timing, thus sharply cutting engine power.
Once the rear wheels have established traction again, power is restored, and things are back to normal.
In theory, it's great. In actuality, it's a buzzkill.
Many find the TC is too intrusive, cuts too much power, and remains active too long, not good things when the goal is to go fast.
Someone with mediocre reaction skills can usually better manage the throttle pedal when the wheels do begin to let loose, and correct it without such a drastic power loss.
